EBHS Science
EBHS Science Courses:
Full-Year Core Courses:
- Biology Academic (1107): 5 credits. This laboratory course has a molecular biology approach. This course prepares our students for the NJ Biology Competency Test (NJBCT) that is administered in May.
- Chemistry (1113): 5 credits. This course focuses on a qualitative understanding of introductory chemistry concepts. This conceptual chemistry course is designed for students who are still developing their mathematical skills and applying those skills to science content.
- Chemistry Accelerated (1114): 5 credits. This laboratory course is designed for students who have exhibited past success in mathematics and science. It includes a comprehensive study of the basic concepts of chemistry, which will enhance the student's success in a college chemistry course. It has both math and science prerequisites.
- Chemistry Honors (1121): 7.5 credits. Honors Chemistry is a quantitative approach to the study of chemistry concepts found in an introductory, college-level, laboratory course. It has both math and science prerequisites. Students can earn 8 credits from MCC.
- Physics: 5 credits. This laboratory course focuses on the conceptual study of physics.
- Physics Accelerated (1127): 5 credits. Academic Physics provides a comprehensive study of the basic concepts of Physics. All topics involve applying math skills to critical-thinking and problem-solving activities using both algebra and trigonometry. It has both math and science prerequisites.
- Physics Honors (1134): 7.5 credits. Honors Physics provides a rigorous mathematical study of physics to concepts found in an introductory, college-level, laboratory physics course. It includes extensive application of both algebra and trigonometry skills. It has both math and science prerequisites. Students can earn 8 credits from MCC.
Full-Year Electives:
- AP Biology (1112): 7.5 credits.AP Biology is a college-level, laboratory course. It is fast-paced, and it requires students to spend extensive time and effort in study. It has both biology and chemistry prerequisites. Students can earn 8 credits from MCC.
- Anatomy & Physiology Honors (1143): 7.5 credits.Anatomy and Physiology introduces students to the structure and function of the human body. Extensive laboratory work, including a major mammalian dissection, is required. The course provides a strong background for students entering careers in the medical field. It has both biology and chemistry prerequisites. Students can earn 8 credits from MCC.
- AP Environmental Science (1144): 7.5 credits. AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary, laboratory course that incorporates scientific principles from earth science, biology and chemistry, in addition to aspects of social studies, as they relate to the study of the environment. Students analyze environmental problems and the relative risks associated with human changes to natural ecosystems. Students in this course are expected to attend several field trips that take place during school hours. It has both biology and chemistry prerequisites.
- AP Chemistry (1126): 7.5 credits. The course provides a rigorous quantitative approach to advanced topics of chemistry in preparation for the Advanced Placement exam in chemistry. Numerous laboratory experiences are included in the course. Students who have previously taken Academic Chemistry will have extensive work to complete before starting this course to learn topics not included in their entry-level chemistry course. It has both math and science prerequisites, including a co-requisite of Academic or Honors Physics.
- AP Physics (1141): 7.5 credits.This course is a Calculus-based, mathematically rigorous study of physics designed to prepare the student for the AP Physics C examinations in both mechanics and electricity and magnetism. This course includes extensive, inquiry-based labs. Students who have previously taken Academic Physics will have extensive work to complete before starting this course to learn topics not included in their entry-level physics course. It has science prerequisites, including a co-requisite of AP Calculus.
- Research and Seminars in Biological Science Honors (1142): 3 credits. This course is the Waksman Student Scholars program wherestudents conduct an authentic research project in molecular biology and bioinformatics. It meets during period 13 (after school) for 3 days each week; attendance is mandatory.This course can be taken more than once in a High School career. It has prerequisites of biology and the semester elective, Molecular Biology Lab Techniques.
- Environmental Science (1103): 5 credits.This course focuses on topics that can be summarized as ecology and resources, with an emphasis on evaluating the human impact on the environment in the past, present, and future. Biology is a prerequisite.
Semester Electives:
- Astronomy (1105): 2.5 credits. This course gives students a basic understanding of the structure of the universe, the structure and behavior of the objects that make up the universe and the earth's relationship to the other objects in our solar system.
- Meteorology (1106): 2.5 credits. This course gives students a basic understanding of weather patterns and their causes. Students analyze data that is either measured with local equipment or computer generated.
- Marine Biology (1101): 2.5 credits. Marine Biology focuses on the study of marine ecosystems with specific emphasis on the ecology of the Atlantic coastal waters. Academic or Honors Biology is a prerequisite.
- Molecular Biology Lab Techniques (1140): 2.5 credits. Students in this course get an introduction to using molecular biology laboratory protocols. Academic or Honors Biology is a prerequisite.
- Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (1104): 2.5 credits. This a non-laboratory course concerned with the cultural, global and humanistic aspects of science. Topic choices are current in scope student-interest driven. This is a hybrid course, so it includes class meetings each week along with indepndent, online activities. This course is offered quarterly with different theme each quarter, so students can enroll in this course for multiple quarters during a school year.
- Forensic Science (1108): 2.5 credits. Students in this course learn the fundamentals of a criminal investigation and how it is used in a court of law. All sessions include crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and case studies. Each quarter focuses on specific analytical techniques. Students can take one quarter or multiple quarters of this course in any order. Academic or Honors Biology is a prerequisite.
Science Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:
- Science Olympiad: The Science Olympiad team competes in a regional competition in January, then top teams advance to the state competition in March. Students try out for a position on the team during the first marking period of the school year, and meetings are held to prepare for the competitions. The advisor to the EBHS team is Steve Vendome.
- Science League: Students participating in Science League take a monthly test at EBHS after school from January-April. East Brunswick has multiple teams that each compete in a science content area. Students try out for a position on the team during the first semester, and meetings are held to prepare for the tests. The main contact for the team is Deborah Cretsinger, although a team of teachers works with specific teams.
- Science Honor Society: Students apply to this honor society based on an application process that includes their academic performance and integrity. There is a community service requirement, which includes peer tutoring. The advisors to this society are Louise Jasko and Leslie Anderson. Please contact the advisors for more information about requesting peer tutoring.
- Pre-Med Club: This club meets monthly for themed meetings, including guest speakers that discuss careers in the medical field. The advisor to this club is Maricar Korff.
- Biology Olympiad: Students take a test in the second semester to determine advancement to national and international competitions. Louise Jasko is the advisor.
- Chemistry Olympiad: Students take a test in March to determine advancement to national and international competitions. Deborah Cretsinger is the advisor.
- F=MA (Physics): AP Physics students take a voluntary, in-house test in January to determine advancement for acceptance to a national team. Sponsored by the AAPT. Dianna Eastep is the advisor.
- Science Bowl: A team participates in a competition of science-based questions. Weekly practices take place throughout the school year to prepare for the off-site competition in February. Karen Posluszny is the advisor.
- NJ State Science Day: Students take an in-house test in either biology, chemistry, physics, or integrated science to determine placement in this state competition.